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Best streaming device of 2020: Apple TV, Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield and more compared
Plenty of hardware options exist for streaming Netflix, YouTube, Amazon and the rest. Here are our picks for the best.
This guide will help you find the best device that connects to your TV and streams video -- something you'll likely use every day for multiple hours at a time to watch movies and TV. We've reviewed every major smart TV system and all the major streaming media devices on the market today, including Roku, Amazon, Chromecast, and Apple TV. With the exception of TVs that actually run Roku's or Amazon's software, TV streaming devicese have more apps, better search, simpler remotes and more frequent updates than the smarts built into your set.
So if your current media streaming device is getting long in the tooth, or you're looking for the best streaming device to go with that new 4K HDR TV, chances are you'll be more than happy with one of these.
Best streamer overall
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Roku is our favorite streaming system, with the most streaming apps, the simplest interface, the best search and a content-agnostic platform that doesn't push any one media streaming provider, like Amazon Prime Video or iTunes, over another. The Plus is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR, and even if your current TV doesn't support those formats, your next one probably will. Its accent on practical features, like a remote control that can control your TV's volume and power, seals the deal.
Best high-end streamer
Apple TV 4K
The perfect foil to the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, the Apple TV costs over $100 more but is the better choice for people who can appreciate its advantages. Those include compatibility with Dolby Vision HDR, flexible upconversion, superior voice control features, a better remote and a smoother, slicker user interface. The Apple TV 4K is so good for media streaming, it even makes sense if you're not an "Apple person."
Best for gamers
Nvidia Shield TV
Sure, it's an expensive media streamer at $150 -- and that's before adding a game controller -- but if you want a Jack-of-all-trades video media player, the Shield is it. In addition to a streaming media player in 4K and HDR, it offers a robust library of games, both console-level and Android, Steam Link, built-in Google Assistant complete with smart home control, NAS access, Plex server capability, HDHomeRun integration and much more.
Best for Amazon fans
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
With Alexa, Amazon has done more than any other company to integrate voice commands into the ways we consume media. The Fire TV Stick 4K bakes Alexa right into the remote, and you can use voice control to search for Gremlins or turn on your Christmas tree. Or both at the same time. Throw in a massive selection of content with an easy-to-use menu and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K represents excellent value for money when it comes to streaming media.
Best budget streamer
Roku Express
For the price of a Blu-ray movie disc, you can get a whole media streamer, which comes with plenty of free content. The Express delivers all of the goodness of Roku's platform, and it includes a remote, an HDMI cable and a little sticker to keep it in place.
